Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Retained surgical swabs found in 13 dogs after surgery
By Forster, K et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2011·Small Animal Teaching Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retained surgical swabs in 13 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Thirteen dogs were brought in after having retained surgical swabs left inside them from previous surgeries, which can cause serious health issues. These dogs had undergone various procedures, including abdominal surgeries and spaying, and they presented symptoms anywhere from four days to seven years after their initial surgeries. Most of the dogs required major surgery to remove the swabs, and fortunately, 12 out of 13 dogs recovered well after treatment. Sadly, one dog had to be euthanized due to complications.
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Abstract
To report the signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings and outcome in dogs and cats with retained swabs, medical records of dogs and cats that were referred to four referral centres were reviewed. Cases in which a retained surgical swab was identified during surgery at the referral hospital were selected for further study. The signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings and outcome in these cases were reviewed. Thirteen dogs with retained surgical swabs were included in the study. Bodyweight ranged from 9 to 45 kg. The initial surgery was a 'non-routine' abdominal procedure in seven dogs, ovariohysterectomy in five dogs and perineal hernia repair in one dog. Time from initial surgery to presentation at the referral centre ranged from four days to seven years. Treatment involved major surgery in eight of the 13 dogs. Outcome was excellent in 12 of 13 cases, one dog was euthanased.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21846684/